Creative Ways to Gift Money

By Dawn Kellogg

Money is the perfect one-size-fits-all gift, especially when it comes to graduation presents. Gift cards are always appreciated, but if you are giving cash, consider adding a little extra sparkle! Here are some ways to make your gift even more memorable.

Cash Pizza

You will need:

• Empty (and clean) pizza box
• Cash (works best with at least $50)
• Rolled masking tape
• Fun message and illustration

Directions: (we used 100, $1 bills)

1. Set aside 16 bills for the “crust”
2. Divide the remaining bills into 4 piles of 21 bills.
3. On the base of the box, place rolled masking tape within a 12” circumference.
4. Fan out the first pile of 21 bills and place in ¼ of the circle. Follow with the other 3 piles until you have a complete circle of overlapping bills.
5. To make the “crust,” roll each bill into a tube and tape to secure. Affix to the perimeter of the “pizza” with rolled masking tape, working your way around the pizza.
6. If you are feeling extra generous, use quarters or dollar coins as “pepperoni.”
7. Find a fun illustration or picture to include in the middle of the “pizza.” This will hide the center meeting point.
8. Include a fun message on the inside of the top of the box.

Chocolate Box of Money

You will need:

• An empty box of chocolates or cookie tin (remember the bigger the box, the more money it will take to fill)
• Paper candy liners (you can get these at any craft store)
• Consider varying denominations and including unique coins and bills, but you can use anything. (You can even use foreign currency – especially appropriate if the graduate is going on a foreign trip or has future plans to study abroad.)
• Double sided tape or foam stickies

Directions:

1. Use glue, tape or foam stickies to stick liner papers to the bottom of the box
2. Roll, fold, or stack currency to vary the appearance in each liner (just like a box of chocolates)
3. Close up box and wrap as you would a gift.

Money Wreath

You will need:

• Wreath form (available at any craft store)
• String or twine
• Bills (we used 40, 1$ bills for this)
• Glue dots
• Illustration that can serve as a congratulatory message

Directions:

1. Roll the bills into little “diplomas” and tie with string or twine
2. Space the bills around the wreath using glue dots to affix.
3. Place your illustration at the top or bottom of the wreath.